Prison inmates take survey

Volunteers recently went through training and helped the National Drug Council carry out a survey of those incarcerated in Her Majesty’s prisons.

At stake is the determination of the needs of the prison population as it relates to the delivery of education, treatment, and rehabilitation services for substance abuse.

The prisons included Northward, Fairbanks and Eagle House.

This initiative, which is part of the seven priority areas of The National Anti-Drug Strategy 2009-2013, seeks to provide a continuum of treatment services that offer drug users the means to improve their quality of life within the prisons and successful transition back into the communities in which they live.

“The volunteers were an invaluable resource and their help and commitment ensured that the survey was facilitated according to the methodology,” stated Luisa McLaughlin, research and information officer, NDC.

Targeted services

The survey’s information will assist in the development and implementation of targeted services for inmates. Specifically, treatment and rehabilitation services for substance abusers.

All volunteers received training by NDC staff on procedures for administering a survey in a prison environment. Despite the week-long initiative, volunteers remained committed. “The Maples Group’s involvement in projects such as the NDC Survey is just one of the on-the-go community initiatives in which our staff continue to be involved,” said Wanda Ebanks, partner at Maples and Calder and one of the survey volunteers. “Given the nature of the task, particularly that we were asked to administer the survey in a fully functioning prison, it is commendable that the management and staff response was so overwhelming. The prison and NDC organisers did a superb job with ensuring that everyone was comfortable during each session.

Maples help

Fifteen Maples staff members, representing the full spectrum of the firm, including partners and senior associates, took part in the week-long project, which highlights the recognition of the potential value of surveys such as this.”

The role of the volunteers demonstrates that citizens and corporations desire to improve the life of the community thus creating social capital. Volunteers continue to serve on boards and committees, make policy and planning decisions, raise funds and strengthen programmes among other meaningful efforts.

“The more social capital there is, the healthier and more vibrant your community” stated Joan West-Dacres, executive director of the NDC.